Day 36: Lidge has successful start

Some early-morning rain canceled the Phillies' minor league games Thursday, messing with their pitching plans for the day. Closer Brad Lidge still put in a productive work day.

The Phillies held an intrasquad game at the Carpenter Complex to make up for the canceled games, with Lidge starting for the Double-A team against the Triple-A team. He threw 19 pitches over 1 1/3 innings, striking out three and walking one. Phillies fourth outfielder Jayson Werth was the player to draw the walk.

Lidge, who is recovering from right knee surgery earlier this spring, would like to get in a Grapefruit League game soon but said he may pitch in another minor league game first. Either way, he expects to be on the Opening Day roster.

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Lidge wasn't the only pitcher affected by today's early rain. Kyle Kendrick, who was originally scheduled to pitch in a minor league game, was given the nod to start the Phillies' Grapefruit League game against the Pirates. He has thrown three scoreless innings so far.

Adam Eaton was bumped from today's start and instead will make the 2 1/2-hour trek to Fort Myers to pitch against the Twins on Friday. The move keeps him lined up to pitch either the fifth or sixth game of the Phillies' season (the Phils have an off day April 1, giving them some wiggle room).

Brett Myers will now pitch in a minor league game Friday instead of traveling to Fort Myers. He should pitch one more spring game, the Bright House Field finale Wednesday against the Yankees, before his Opening Day assignment March 31st against the Nationals.

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It was a busy morning, so I didn't have a chance to post any links. If you missed today's story on Jamie Moyer, click here.

Finally, if you want to see how not to pick the NCAA Tournament bracket, you can look at my selections in the writers versus the players contest being run by The Morning Call. I have watched a ton of college basketball this season, as I always do. I have no doubt that I will still fail miserably with my picks.